Ahead of North American Tour, TASH SULTANA Shares Q&A

Multi-instrumentalist and global sensation TASH SULTANA is returning to North America for a fall 2019 tour that includes stops at Red Rocks Amphitheatre (Colorado) and the Central Park Summerstage (New York), along with a slot on the Ohana Festival (Los Angeles).

These tour dates mark the largest headlining gigs in TASH ‘s career and come after a few spring shows in the U.S., followed by solo performances and festival appearances this summer in Europe. Last year was one of the biggest years in TASH’s career. Highlights include the release of her debut album FLOW STATE (Mom and Pop Music) which entered the charts at #4 on the Billboard Alternative Albums Chart and also charted across the globe.

Tash Sultana – Can’t Buy Happiness (Official Video)

You started busking on the streets of Melbourne. Did you have experiences back then that have shaped and inspired you as a musician?

TS: I didn’t start out by busking, I started playing open mic nights and doing battle of the bands from when I was 13. I started busking after I finished high school. Nobody has to stop and give you their time when you’re busking, so you build and organic audience from the street and learn how to keep people’s attention.

You’ve mastered multiple instruments that allow you to be a one-person band, from guitar and bass to percussion and even brass instruments. Does picking up and learning a new instrument come naturally to you or is it something that you work at?

TS: I wouldn’t say that I have mastered anything, I just have a knack for learning new things and a curious mind that makes me interested in sound and instruments.

When you’re working on new music, where do you draw inspiration from?

Your live set-up is very intimate since you decorate the stage with a carpet and various personal items; it allows one to feel like they are witnessing a private performance. What inspired this presentation?

TS: I like to give the environmental feeling that I’m at home in my lounge room. It makes performing less intimidating.

Can you talk about what goes into creating your setlist?

TS: I change up my setlist depending on the show and how I’m feeling that day but there’s a natural ebb and flow I go for usually.

Speaking of audiences, you recently headlined some of the biggest arenas across UK & Europe and this fall you’ll return to the U.S. for an amphitheater tour and some festival dates (Ohana, Life Is Beautiful). Do you have anything special prepared for your return to the U.S.?

TS: After every tour I go back to the studio and work with my crew to see how we can make the show better. We’ve overhauled the old show and put that to rest and now we’re moving forward with the new show. If you don’t change and try to be better, you just die creatively.